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BGE or Primo XL

Hello everyone and Happy New Year! I am new to the BGE Forum and joined to get
some information before making a purchase.
Full disclosure, I’ve joined both the BGE and Primo forums since those
are the two ceramics I am considering.

One day I lean toward the BGE, the next, Primo XL Oval, what
to do? Here’s my situation:

I’ve been doing BBQ on a offset Oklahoma Joe for about 10
years and get very good results with Brisket, Pork Ribs, and Pork
Shoulder. I use a Weber gas grill for
everyday use for steaks, chicken etc., mainly due to fast heat up time. Ideally I would like to replace both with one
ceramic type grill.

I have been considering the Egg for sometime now and this year
for Christmas my neighbor got the BGE XL and it’s impressive! Not to run out and “get what the Jones’
have”, I started looking on the web for other ceramics, Kamado Joe, Grill Dome,
Saffire, things of that sort. In the
end, the discussion always comes down to the EGG and the Primo XL Oval.

Primarily I just cook for two, but on occasion I do large
BBQ cooks for several so the XL in either is a given I think. I’ve read things about both I like and
dislike and hence the purpose of this discussion.

From what I’ve read, both are similar in heat retention and
temperature control.

Primo:

·
Like the oval shape

·
Made in the USA

·
Split fire box capability

·
Not sure about availability of accessories (3rd
party if that’s even a real issue)

Both are great choices. I don't own a Primo but I do like some of the options that aren't offered with the egg like the split firebox. The reason why I went with the egg was the lifetime warranty. I'm hoping to be around for the next 50+ years egging so I couldn't pass up the lifetime warranty on ceramics. Lots of accessories also available with the egg. Wouldn't mind owning a Primo one day myself.

dhoten I think you answered your own question look at the pros and cons that by it self should tell you your answer I have 2 LBGE and just love them as far as the company goes that are a very consumer friendly company and they stand behind their product with out question all they want to see is photo proof of a broken part and they replace it just like that at least thats been my experience

2 Large Eggs and a Mini 2 Pit Bulls and a Pork shoulder or butt nearby and 100% SICILIAN

In my particular case it boiled down to having a dealer within reasonable distance. BGE has an extensive network in Iowa, Primo does not. Also the accessories available for BGE whether OEM or after market is much larger for BGE. You did not state where you lived so these may not be considerations that affect you.

both are good choices as long as theres a few dealers in the area. when you say large bbq for several, the large bge will easily do 30 something pounds of butt so depending on your needs, maybe 2 eggs, large and small or large and mini for the times your just cooking for 2. definatly look at the adjustable rig that was mentioned, its the best first upgrade to a ceramic out there

I went through the same process a couple years ago. I wound up buying an XL BGE because I wanted to do business locally and that was what the man carried. If he had Primo I probably would have done that.

In hindsight, the XL is absolutely massive. I have not even come close to using the whole grid. While any ceramic cooker will help keep even heat inside, I think the round shape is better at it - particularly for high heat applications. Just think about the visual for airflow.

If i were to do it again, I would buy a large with an AR and a mini. From chicken to ribs, some guys on here have turned out some amazing stuff on minis.

I have read some negative reviews regarding customer service and support on the Primo. I have not heard anything negative on the BGE - only great commentary. One Primo reviewer had a negative post which they said was removed from their forum - not good. I would go with the BGE for that reason. I never heard of anyone who was sorry for buying a BGE.

I looked at several and ultimately landed on the large BGE. I have enjoyed the availability of information and accessories. If you are cooking for two - my recommendation is get the large first. It is more than adequate for two plus many more. Plan on spending the initial cash outlay again on accessories. (that's most likely the case with either brand )

Good luck on your decision.

Alan in LA (Lower Alabama that is)

"If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you've never tried before!"

I have 2 BGE XLs and absolutely love them. With a 24 inch grid area and all the accessories from the ceramic grill store I can do direct and indirect at the same time, direct raised and indirect at the same time, etc. etc.. I can do over 50 pounds of boston butt on the BGE XL.

I looked at several and ultimately landed on the large BGE. I have enjoyed the availability of information and accessories. If you are cooking for two - my recommendation is get the large first. It is more than adequate for two plus many more. Plan on spending the initial cash outlay again on accessories. (that's most likely the case with either brand )

Uhhh... Hmmm... Since this is a BGE forum, I would suspect that the majority will vote BGE, including myself. JMO.

Yes Matt, this is a BGE forum but what better place to get an idea if people are satisfied with their purchase and/or had any regrets. I myself have made a large purchase in the past and afterwords had some issues that I wish I had known about. Simple as that.

About the only true downside to BGE I have ever heard is the price. If you pick a demo up or one from an Eggfest that will ease that blow. Accessories offered by several companies can get you direct/indirect cooking capability or cover just about any other need you can conjure.

Pure MichiganLarge BGE, Medium BGE, Mini BGE, Weber Smokey Mountain, Weber Performer.If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

I have a large egg, and I recently was tasked with selling 3 primo ovals for a friend to raise money for adoption. I have to say that I really liked the oval design of the primo. Seems to make sense to me, and you get a little more real estate with the primo I believe. The walls are 1/4 thinner than the egg, but the quality was really good. I would buy one used if I found a great deal on it, but buying new, I'd have to go with the egg for the lifetime warranty in and of itself. For paying about the same price I'll go with the egg, but there's only one place by me that sells primos and the accessories are pretty important to me as well.

I also considered the Primo and was attracted by the built-in ability to have two cooking zones. I ended up going with the XL BGE for some of the reasons listed above - know and trust the local dealer, a friend has one and loves it, etc.

Since purchasing it I have discovered that it is big enough to do two zone cooking without any gadgets. I just build a small fire in the back and cook direct and still have plenty of room to put other food in the front that gets cooked indirect. You can probably get better temperature distinction if you use the brackets from the Ceramic Grill Store and I may go that route eventually.

Great location! There is an excellent BGE dealer in Pace, FL that is easy to work with if you haven't if you haven't found them yet. I have also seen some used ones available recently on Craigslist as I have been looking for a used Mini.

Alan in LA (Lower Alabama that is)

"If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you've never tried before!"

I looked at several and ultimately landed on the large BGE. I have enjoyed the availability of information and accessories. If you are cooking for two - my recommendation is get the large first. It is more than adequate for two plus many more. Plan on spending the initial cash outlay again on accessories. (that's most likely the case with either brand )

Bought my BGE at local Hagan Ace Hardware. If an issue should ever arrise I feel confident it would get a swift & fair resolution. IE: purchased an aaccessory & some lump (yes lump) I was not too satisfied and they refunded me (after heavy use on one product and the lump was replaced---w/ no hassles). My egg has performed flawlessly during all my slow-n-lows, baking, high temp pizza baking, etc. There are a ton of add-on accessories available. IMHO BGE wins hands down. Good luck on your decision. Hope to see ya on our forum. :-D